Description

During the 75th anniversary year of the repeal of Prohibition, an emerging generation of Indiana craft beer brewers sat down with their friend and fellow beer aficionado Rita T. Kohn for in-depth interviews on the trials and tribulations of pursuing their passion. The result is a fascinating social history of the growth of handcrafted beer within the state. True Brew vibrantly details the brewers’ journey in the creation and sharing of their brews. Continuity, interconnectedness, and civic concern are themes that permeate their stories, but readers may be surprised by the brewers’ strong advocacy for restoring buildings, invigorating neighborhoods, and practicing sustainability. Join Kohn, Indiana’s leading brew masters, and a burgeoning crop of homebrewers as they reflect on the historical, cultural, social, and economic contributions made to Indiana by one of the world’s oldest beverages.

Author Bio

Rita T. Kohn is a senior writer for NUVONewsweekly where her weekly "Beer Buzz" appears along with her reviews of the arts. She is senior editor of Always a People: Oral Histories of Contemporary Woodland Indians (IUP, 1997) and editor (with James W. Brown) of Long Journey Home: Oral Histories of Contemporary Delaware Indians (IUP, 2007).

Kris Arnold is a professional photographer and a web developer for the Indianapolis Museum of Art. His work has appeared in NUVO Newsweekly, Gambit Weekly, and Terrorizer magazine.

Reviews

"Breweries have always reflected the tastes and culture of society. In no place is that more true than Indiana. Our ever-evolving appetite for Hoosier beers has changed for the better and Rita Kohn has captured the process as it happens." —Bob Mack, World Class Beverages

"This handsome (and heavy!) book has been given a lovely treatment . . . so it can spend part of its time on your coffee table at home, and part of its time at a local pub." —NUVO

"Kohn's book is an appealing look at the history of craft beer and particularly Indiana brewers—both brew masters and homebrewers. . . . Her lively style and informative details make for engrossing reading, even without a brewsky in hand." —Illinois State Magazine , Spring 2011

"True Brew is the perfect book whether you are looking to learn about Hoosier craft beers, someone already in the business wanting to hear about the good ole days, or a novice beer drinker or brewer looking for advice and tips. Rita Kohn's True Brew wraps up the history, stories and facts in an enjoyable read." —gottagoelizabeth.blogspot.com , 8/10/2011

"The stories in this book illustrate continuity, interconnectedness, and civic concern . . . illuminate constant change grounded in a love of tradition . . . involve us in all aspects of the craft beer industry." —Kevin McKinney, editor and publisher, NUVO